Marco Odermatt has made skiing history once again by winning the giant slalom at Alta Badia, marking his 41st World Cup victory and surpassing the legendary Pirmin Zurbriggen’s long-standing record of 40 wins. This remarkable achievement places Odermatt firmly atop the all-time list of Swiss skiers, underscoring his place as one of the sport’s elite.
The 27-year-old skier from Nidwalden delivered his historic triumph on December 17, 2023, just after securing victory the previous day. After finishing the first run of the giant slalom sitting third, Odermatt faced challenging conditions on the Gran Risa slope, which had raised concerns among competitors about its safety. Many skiers even expressed hesitation about starting the race due to deteriorated course conditions.
During the pre-race inspection, Odermatt had voiced doubts about the viability of the course. “I’m not sure if this race makes sense,” he remarked, highlighting the treacherous state it was in. His teammate, Justin Murisier, even described the situation as an “absolute scandal,” arguing the race organizers were jeopardizing athletes’ safety.
Despite the initial conditions, Odermatt thrived under pressure, taking full advantage of the improved surface during his second run. He described it as “another great second run” and noted, “During the inspection, I noticed it was more regular. That gave me the confidence to attack.” His execution was flawless, allowing him to leapfrog to first place with the best overall time.
Finishing the race with 85 hundredths of a second lead, Odermatt’s performance was all the more impressive considering the technical demands of transitioning from longer to shorter skis between disciplines. His grasp of the changing conditions showcased not just his physical skill but also mental resilience—a hallmark of his exceptional career.
The significance of this win wasn’t lost on Odermatt. “This is a milestone in my career,” he articulated after the event, reflecting on the distance he has come since childhood dreams of skiing glory. He reminisced about how his father, Walti, had been one of Zurbriggen’s biggest fans, long before Odermatt himself thought about breaking records.
“Pirmin is a legend from my generation,” Odermatt stated, adding, “What he has ignited for Swiss skiing is still felt today.” His respect for Zurbriggen was clear, and his achievement carries not just personal significance but historical resonance within the sport.
Having now secured five victories at Alta Badia, Odermatt’s dominance on this iconic slope is remarkable. His victory feat over three consecutive days—as he also participated in the Super-G and downhill races—demonstrates his remarkable versatility and physical conditioning. The winning run added to the four overall World Cup victories he accumulated this season highlights his position as the frontrunner.
With this win, Odermatt also increased his lead in the overall World Cup standings, solidifying his status as the top contestant this season. The final pushes for more victories loom as he sets his sight on future records held by skiing legends such as the Swedish skier, Stenmark, who boasts the highest total with 86 wins.
“The next steps are still far away,” he acknowledged, but the aura of confidence accompanied by this latest achievement keeps eyes locked on his potential.
Behind Odermatt, the day’s podium saw Léo Anguenot finishing second, marking his career’s best performance, followed by Norwegian skier Alexander Steen Olsen. Meanwhile, Croatian skier Filip Zubcic, who led after the first run, fell to fourth place.
Despite being behind, Gino Caviezel performed respectably, improving to 12th position. Other Swiss competitors saw various outcomes, underscoring the competitiveness among the athletes as they navigate the demanding World Cup circuit.
Odermatt’s recognition and impending ambitions signify not just an era defined by his remarkable capabilities but paint a broader picture for the aspirations of the sport itself. The snowy slopes of Alta Badia have borne witness to yet another chapter of triumph, this time propelled by Marco Odermatt’s relentless pursuit of excellence.
